[Acne inversa (hidradenitis suppurativa)].

Hidradenitis suppurativa (acne inversa) is a chronic inflammatory follicular skin disease which leads to fistulae, abscesses and scarring. The Hurley classification is used to quantify the extent of the disease whereby stage III is associated with extensive disfiguring lesions. The most frequently used conservative treatment options are topical clindamycin, systemic antibiotics, e.g. clindamycin and rifampicin, anti-TNF antibodies and laser epilation. Complete excision of fistulae with or without plastic coverage of defects are the mainstays of surgical treatment. Preoperative and postoperative strategies to diminish tissue loss and options for recurrence prevention are discussed.